Four new ambulances for the Gold Coast

Member for Gaven Phil Gray has handed over the keys to four replacement ambulances.

Three Mercedes 318 acute vehicles will find new homes at Jimboomba, Nerang and Canungra ambulance stations.

The fourth vehicle, a Troop Carrier, will be based at Tambourine Mountain station.

The Mercedes 318 cost $180,000 each, while the Troop Carrier carries a price tag of $135,000.

“The new vehicles will all have Stryker stretchers and stair chairs, which can carry patients up to 228 kilograms,” Mr Gray said.

“This equipment makes ambulance transport safer and more comfortable for both patients and paramedics,” he said.

The livery on the new vehicles is a highly visible design to improve driver recognition when ambulances drive under emergency conditions, and is in line with the latest international best practice for emergency vehicle safety.

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said the four vehicles are a valuable boost to a rapidly growing community.

“It is a demonstration of the Bligh Government’s commitment to providing the people of the south-east with the best possible ambulance service.

“This financial year the State Government is committing $16.9 million to commission 145 ambulances across the state, with 31 going to the south-east region.

“On top of that 63 extra ambulances officers will start work in the region this financial year, in addition to 31 last year,” he said.

Work is well underway on the $1.98 million Mount Tambourine ambulance station refurbishment, which is expected to be completed by the middle of the year.

“These investments show the Bligh Government is committed to creating jobs and maintaining infrastructure in the current uncertain economic climate,” Mr Roberts said.

Media contact - 0400 708 526